"Lost" (or "Cold War Secret Cave Tour")

Interior map shows us how to get appropriately "Lost" as power outages inside are par for the course.  Center photo shows the cave entrance in the 1960's and to the right, the entrance today.

Our family and several friends recently toured the "Kindsbach Cave".  Actually I think we experienced a reality version of “Lost”, the ABC television drama:  complete with an authentic research station, “Others”, and smoke (mold dust) monsters!  

Touring the cave was an interesting mix of history and terror:  we inhaled a few mold spores as we walked thru the creepy disrepair learning about it's place in 20th century history.  This cave was the center of top secret communication during the Cold War. Technologies were developed here during the 1960’s that advanced global communication capabilities and enhanced military readiness.  Here, air movement in the “East,” 1600km away, was monitored on multiple radar screens and commands to proceed with air defense could be instantly communicated to the Ramstein flight and missile defense units.  

Our guide shares a piece of WWII history discovered in the cave--a Nazi song book and newspaper. Peeling paint, dark hallways, and mold.  Lots of mold --because keeping a the AC running to provide the appropriate levels of dry air in a cold cave would cost a fortune!  

The history of the Cave

• 1876:  mineral sand mine, purchased by the current owners' family
• 1937-1944: German engineers drill tunnels for ammo storage & create HQ for Western Frontier Command WWII
• 1947-1951: French troops planned to destroy the cave, but halted as the East-West cold war changed the political picture of Europe--used for ammo storage instead
• 1953-1964: USAFE units occupied & renovated the Combat Operations Center & constructed the 412L (computer) system
• 1964-1980’s: US military continued to fund and operate the Center, however, it’s use was steadily declining.
• 1991: property returned to the original owner's family

"THEN AND NOW" --such resourcefulness --they kept the same mop for over 50 years!

Like the cast of "Lost" we discovered top secret acronyms,  strange markings on the walls and the abandoned radar viewing room.  Above left, photo of original radar booth in the Cave.

"The center was a state-of-the-art 67-room, 37,000-square foot facility where USAFE could’ve lead an air war against the Soviet Union. The center had a digital “computer” to work out bombing problems, cryptographic equipment for coded message traffic and its own photo lab to develop reconnaissance photos. Responsible for an air space extending deep behind the Iron Curtain, the center interacted directly with the Pentagon, NATO, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and all USAFE bases. With its massive telephone switchboard and 80 teletype machines, the cave was plugged into everything in the outside world. The center was receiving more than 1,000 calls a day." (Source: Kaiserslautern American, March 12 2004)

Our guide cautioned us about what to NOT touch!  (Meredith's hair is now curly and she's still smilin')

"As a further measure of protection, the cave was fully self-contained with its own water supply, electric backup-generators, climate controls, dining facilities and sleeping accommodations for its 125-man crew. Visitor passes were rarely issued to this secret facility."  (Source: Kaiserslautern American, March 12 2004)

See what happens when you don't clean up the bathroom--your mom was right, it doesn't clean itself!

Many other caves were utilized during the last century for similar purposes, however, most have been sealed closed with concrete.  In spite of it’s highly toxic environment, we enjoyed being able to witness a real piece of US history in its original form.  My hope is that this will become like the castle ruins we tromp thru today --a place 1000 years from now that people will be able to visit and learn about a significant part of world history.  (Perhaps a massive vacuuming and little restoration first though!)

One of 4 entrances to the cave and a map showing lines of East/West Germany and the rest of Europe

Contact:  Wolfgang Wuermell, owner

0172 9375410

Am Wingertshuebel 66862 Kindsbach

Cost:  €10 per person, children under 12 free.  Must have a group of 10 to do the tour.  

My suggestion, don't bring kids under age 8;  bring flashlights & surgical masks --it'll save you the allergy agony later if you're prone to mold issues!

Tschuss!

Linda